**Finding a Home in London: My Journey**
*By Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering*
Recently, I celebrated my nine-month anniversary of residing in London. While it may seem brief, I have gained significant insights into the city and its housing landscape. London is a remarkably diverse and lively city, not just in its housing options but also with the myriad of communities that live here. Students can choose from numerous living arrangements, including student residences, private rentals, ensuite and shared bathrooms, private and shared rooms, as well as studio flats and house shares.
For home students, scheduling an apartment viewing is quite straightforward, whereas international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse properties online, review available amenities, and evaluate access to public transport.
### My Accommodation Search
In my quest for a living space, I aimed to find a room in Central London, close to major landmarks, social areas, and, most importantly, the Imperial campus. London is organized into six concentric zones, with the first two being the most central. The city boasts a vast public transport network—including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains—that makes inter-zone commuting hassle-free. However, traveling between zones can lead to high expenses, sometimes reaching £5.25 per day. To cut costs, I opted to walk for shorter distances instead of relying on public transport. Thankfully, Oyster card options help lessen commuting costs for students.
In addition to the Underground, the London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond central London. Fare prices for these services differ according to distance and the pricing policies of the train operators. Residing in Central London comes with a hefty price tag because of its closeness to popular attractions. To manage my budget, I chose to share a room with a friend, resulting in a notable drop in our rent.
I favored intercollegiate student accommodations, as they offered a chance to connect with students from various cultural backgrounds and similar age groups—something that is harder to find in private rentals.
### Importance of Convenience
For me, having grocery stores in close proximity was essential. Some prevalent supermarkets in London include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, while budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland provide more economical choices. Proximity to essential shopping venues saves valuable time, particularly during hectic exam weeks.
### Selecting the Ideal Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighbourhood in London can be quite daunting. The city’s cultural richness is evident in its many ethnic communities, which create a sense of comfort for international students.
For instance, Southall in West London boasts a sizable South Asian population, with numerous Indian eateries, grocery stores, and traditional clothing outlets. Brixton, located in South London, is famed for its Afro-Caribbean culture and vibrant music environment. In contrast, Chinatown in London’s West End features a plethora of Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural festivities. These are merely a few illustrations of the numerous cultural enclaves found in London.
### Concluding Thoughts
The ideal living space in London ultimately hinges on your personal tastes and requirements. Whether your focus is on budget-friendliness, closeness to the university, or cultural connection, the city provides a vast array of choices. Embracing the diversity of London, discovering various neighbourhoods, and fully enjoying the dynamic environment can render your experience truly remarkable.